PTRC to pursue grant for Square project

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council is expected to pursue a federal grant for a Square renovation project in Lexington after county commissioners provided their OK last week.

BY NASH DUNNThe Dispatch

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council is expected to pursue a federal grant for a Square renovation project in Lexington after county commissioners provided their OK last week.Davidson County commissioners gave authorization for the PTRC to apply for a $45,000 U.S. Forest Service grant, which would be used to plan stormwater management and other green infrastructure features surrounding the Square.Located at the intersection of Main and Center streets, the county-owned Square is home to historical landmarks like the Old Davidson County Court House and various war monuments.Stakeholders in the planned project include city and county staff, Uptown Lexington officials, citizens and PTRC representatives. In addition, two North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University students are designing a preliminary layout of what the Square could become.After being questioned by commissioners last week, PTRC Water Resources Manager Cy Stober reiterated that the grant would only be for the planning portion of the project and be dedicated for community outreach and engineering designs. Stober said each stage of the process would have to be endorsed by stakeholders."This is something we will be seeking everyone's input on," Stober told commissioners.The duration of the planning grant would be about 18 months, according to the grant proposal.It is not clear which stakeholders will be responsible for funding the implementation of any plans for the Square.Drafts completed by N.C. A&T students show possible features could include new greenery around the Square in addition to paving, hedges, planters, seating and a stage and lawn area.Uptown Lexington and county officials say the Square renovation project has been in the works for close to a decade.Nash Dunn can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 227, or at nash.dunn@the-dispatch.com.